Image © Brokenaccidentalstar

“It’s sweaty in Miami, but the diamonds will keep me cool,” once remarked hip-hop artist Lil’ Kim. And nestled amidst the bustling, humid metropolis of Miami, lies another kind of gem: South Beach. Once an impoverished area, the neighborhood is now a world-class destination for the beau monde. In the past two decades, the area has undergone a renaissance whilst retaining much of the glamour that initially attracted millionaires and diplomats in the 1920s.

Miami Beach experienced an architectural boom in the 1930s, and as a consequence, the city remains one of the world’s foremost examples of Art Deco architecture. With time, many historic buildings have been lost, but since 1980, developers have been prevented from further altering the cultural landscape.  Today, the Miami Design Preservation League offers tours of the architectural district, be it by bicycle or bus, on foot or via podcast. While such tours are informative for the budding connoisseur, the best way to see the city is to experience it.

Many of the buildings that have been preserved are hotels. The hotels which line Collins Avenue boast restaurants with distinguished chefs, spas, poolside lounges that extend to the beachfront, and entertainment that begins in the afternoon and continues into the evening. Relax on a day bed at The Setai beachfront and enjoy champagne with a fresh seafood platter. Should you tire of the ocean, head to one of the hotel’s three pools or to the spa for an Omega 3 body polish and Balinese massage.

Next door at the Shore Club, Morocco meets Art Deco in this David Chipperfield designed hotel. Day or night, the paths and alcoves shrouded in flowers create an air of intrigue.  On the weekends, the atmosphere is spirited, but the airy rooms invite repose.  With restaurants like Ago (co-owned by Robert De Niro) and the world-renowned Nobu, rest assured you will never go hungry.

The Delano Hotel is another must-visit in Miami. It is best explored in the evening, when its expansive indoor-outdoor lobby is packed with beautiful people. Blocks away on Lincoln Road is the Sushi Samba, where you can sample green bean tempura with Black Truffle Aioli, seared Otoro Kobe beef and Yellowtail seviche. Over on Pennsylvania Avenue, don’t be surprised to see Madonna or Leonardo DiCaprio at Tantra Restaurant.

Miami is renowned for its nightlife and LIV at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is the ultimate party venue.  Private skyboxes overlook the dance floor as international deejays turn up the heat.  And if you don’t want the weekend festivities to end, then Nikki Beach on Ocean Drive is the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon, dancing at the beach club or chilling in a cabana with bottle service. Alternatively, head to the 24 hour News Café on 8th and Ocean, a favourite haunt of the late Gianni Versace.

So whether you head to South Beach with friends or that special someone, be prepared for sultry days packed with beautiful beaches, beautiful people and beautiful adventures.